Elon Alum Joyce Choi Named to Varietys 2026 New Leaders List

Joyce Choi, Elon University’s 2019 graduate, has been named to Variety’s annual “Hollywood’s New Leaders: Class of 2026” list as vice‑president of film at Imagine Entertainment. The honor spotlights 34 executives, producers, agents and entrepreneurs under 40 who are shaping film, television, music, technology and digital media.

The list, announced at PMC Studios on July 17, 2026, gathers rising talent from across the entertainment spectrum. Choi’s inclusion underscores Imagine Entertainment’s reputation for nurturing fresh voices—an independent production house founded by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer that has delivered classics such as A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13.

Choi began her journey at Imagine more than six years ago as an executive assistant. In that time she advanced to vice‑president of film, where she now steers development across the company’s slate. Her credits include the feature Dangerously Funny, a biopic about the Smothers Brothers’ clash with CBS censors, and the acquisition of Jan Saenz’s 200 Monas and Rebecca Yarros’ The Last Letter for Amazon. Under her guidance, Imagine’s upcoming releases feature How to Rob a Bank, Whalefall, The Mosquito Bowl and the franchise sequel Spaceballs 2.

Variety reports that Choi said the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the relationships she has built throughout her career. “You can’t succeed in a vacuum, and I think the best part of this industry is the camaraderie and community that you can find if you look for it,” she said. “To be recognized by the company where I grew up as a producer is incredibly meaningful, and even more than that, to look around and be celebrated by my peers and creative partners is everything.”

In her Variety profile, Choi reflected on the experiences that sparked her passion for filmmaking. “Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to watch many movies, so the ones I did manage to see felt especially meaningful,” she said. She added that the limited exposure to film in her youth shaped the kinds of stories she now gravitates toward. Choi also offered advice to aspiring industry professionals: “No matter how you got into the room or what room you’re in, make the most of it. Do everything you can to hone your craft so that, in an industry where opportunities are increasingly harder to come by, you’re the most prepared you could be to take full advantage of whatever comes your way.”

The Variety list, unveiled at PMC Studios, highlights Imagine’s continued emphasis on developing fresh voices and innovative projects. Choi’s work on Amazon‑licensed material and her leadership of both television and feature‑film development demonstrate the company’s strategy of blending traditional studio production with streaming‑platform partnerships.

As of now, Choi remains a key figure in Imagine’s development pipeline. Her role will likely involve further negotiation of rights, talent attachment and overseeing production schedules for the upcoming titles, including the comedic Spaceballs 2 and the thriller How to Rob a Bank. The industry will watch her next moves as she continues to shape the company’s output and influence broader trends in film and television production.

In summary, Joyce Choi’s inclusion on Variety’s 2026 New Leaders list marks a milestone for an Elon University alum who has risen from an entry‑level role to a senior executive at one of Hollywood’s most respected production houses. Her career trajectory, project portfolio and public statements illustrate a focus on collaboration, skill development and strategic partnership building—qualities that align with the evolving demands of the entertainment industry.